Articles by Erik J. Martin - Page 5

Buying a house after bankruptcy is possible, but most buyers have a waiting period after Chapter 7 bankruptcy to get a home loan.

Most mortgage lenders consider 43% or lower to be a good debt-to-income ratio. But a higher DTI may be OK, too. Here's what you should know.

A second mortgage lets you cash out home equity without refinancing. Learn about second mortgage options and how they work.

HELOCs and cash-out refinancing both tap your home equity, but they work very differently. Explore HELOC vs cash-out refinance pros and cons.

Here are 7 things you should never do before buying a house. Follow these best practices to give yourself the best shot at mortgage approval and a low rate.

Earnest money, down payment, and closing costs all need to be paid by home buyers. Learn when your upfront fees are due and what to expect.

If you love where you live but want to stop renting, you might want to buy the house from your landlord. Here's how to buy a home you rent.

In today's market, it's common for buyers to offer above the asking price on a home. But how much over asking price is too much?

Many buyers are hoping to wait out the current market and buy a house in 2023. Here's how to position yourself to buy a house next year.

A home equity investment could help you tap your home's cash value without refinancing. Learn more about equity sharing agreements here.

Has the U.S. housing market peaked? There are signs a cool-off could be coming. Here's what home buyers should know.

How high will mortgage rates go? See mortgage rate predictions for mid- to late-2022 from eight industry-leading housing experts.

Learn how to refinance a second mortgage, including options to refinance a home equity loan, HELOC, or piggyback loan.

Rising interest rates are tough on home buyers. But there's plenty you can do to fight the market and lower your mortgage rate. Here's how.

Is buying a house a waste of money? That depends who you ask, but many experts will tell you it's a sound investment, even in 2022.

Learn how a debt consolidation refinance works and whether or not it's the right financial choice for you.

Learn what it means for a home to be in real estate probate and how to navigate this legal process.

Mortgage amortization is the process of paying down your home loan. Your amortization schedule affects your payments, home equity, and payoff date.

Cash-out refinance rates are a little higher than standard refi rates. But savvy shoppers can still find a great deal.

Some home buyers wonder if they should wait for prices to drop. But experts say that won't happen in 2022. Here's why.